Headphones aren’t really just headphones anymore. They’re ear computers. Sure, you can use them to listen to music, as always. But they’ve got touch controls now. They’re embedded with custom wireless chips to ease pairing. They also open a direct line to the voice assistant on your phone. Soon however, it’s likely you won’t even need the phone to talk to your AI-powered assistant in your headphones. That moment of untethering is when headphones get really powerful, with features like real-time navigation and language translation. Some of us can’t wait for that future. Others never want it to arrive.

Some notes: Read David’s review of the Google Pixel Buds and the Apple AirPods. Also read Arielle on her custom AI chatbot. Recommendations this week: Channel 33’s interview with Richard Linklater, Peak, and Replika. Send the hosts feedback on their personal Twitter feeds. Arielle Pardes is @pardesoteric, David Pierce is @pierce, and Michael Calore is @snackfight. Bling the main hotline at @GadgetLab. Our theme song is by Solar Keys.

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